Is global warming to blame for increased allergies?

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America compared data on 100 cities to rank the 25 most challenging cities to live with seasonal allergies. Scores are based off pollen counts, allergy medicine use and the number of allergists.

There may be yet another problem resulting from global climate change: more sneezing and sniffling. Rising temperatures are increasing the pollen season for some plants and trees. As a result, people may be suffering more from seasonal allergies.

The increase in pollen may even be causing additional people who are susceptible to develop pollen allergies, says Renato Ariano, M.D., author of a new study on the topic. Ariano presented the findings in New Orleans at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.

Longer Pollen Season, More Allergy Problems

Dr. Ariano and his colleagues have been recording pollen counts, the length of pollen seasons, and the prevalence of people sensitive to five major pollens in an area of Italy on the Mediterranean Sea for nearly 30 years.

Between 1981 and 2007, the researchers noted an increasingly earlier start to the pollen season. During this same time, when researchers tested area residents for allergic reaction to five regional pollens, they found more and more people were sensitive to those pollens.

That makes sense to Estelle Levetin, a professor of biology at the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma, who says, "the data already show that pollen seasons could be longer and pollen levels could be higher." As a result, people with allergies may need to start taking allergy medications earlier and continue them longer, Levetin says.

Pollen allergy affects about one out of 10 Americans, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. For some, symptoms can be controlled by using over-the-counter medicine. Others may have serious reactions. Allergies can trigger or worsen asthma, and lead to health problems like sinus and ear infections.

Get Help for Your Allergy Symptoms

People with pollen allergies often notice a seasonal pattern to their symptoms, but some need allergy tests to discover that pollen is the source of the problem.

You should see your doctor you experience any of the following allergy problems:

You are experiencing allergies for the first time

Symptoms interfere with your daily life

Over-the-counter allergy medications don't ease symptoms

You experience allergy symptoms over a long period

You feel your allergies are starting earlier in the season

For more information on health and wellness, please visit health information modules on this website.

Tips for Tackling Seasonal Allergies

People with seasonal allergies should try to avoid pollen as much as possible and stay indoors when pollen levels are high. For example, ragweed pollen levels highest in the morning in late summer and early fall. Grass pollen levels are highest in evening in during spring and summer.

Sunny, windy days can be especially troublesome. Pay attention to the pollen count levels, which are often included in the local weather forecast.

Here are some other tips for dealing with seasonal allergies, especially on high pollen count days:

Run an air conditioner and keep windows closed in the house.

Avoid yard work and mowing grass.

Wear a mask to filter pollen out of the air you breathe if you work outside.

Comments

The views expressed below are not those of Click On Detroit, WDIV, or its affiliated companies. By clicking on "Post," you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Service and your comment is in compliance with such terms. Readers, please help keep this discussion respectful and on topic by flagging comments that are offensive or inappropriate (hover over the commenter's name and you'll see the flag option appear on right side of that line). And remember, respect goes both ways: Tolerance of others' opinions is important in a free discourse. If you're easily offended by strong opinions, you might skip reading comments entirely.